Seahawks vs. Falcons – Week 10 “game balls”

How Sweet It Is

Revenge surely is sweet, isn’t it, Seattle fans?

With the Atlanta Falcons having knocked the Seahawks out of the playoffs last year, there was no doubt that Seattle had a chip on their shoulder on their latest road chip. And, with the offensive line lacking three starters and some poor offensive performances as of late, many were wondering whether or not the Seahawks could come out of Atlanta with a victory on Sunday.

But if there was any doubt surrounding this team, it was washed away by halftime as Seattle jumped all over the Falcons for 23 points in the first two quarters.

Eliminating any threat from Atlanta whatsoever, the Seahawks racked up the yards and points on Sunday, walking away with a big 33-10 victory that forwarded their record to an impressive 9-1.

Here are the three Seahawks who paved the way for the Seattle win.

Offense

Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynchmust have had a sit-down conference with Darrell Bevell this past week because Seattle’s offensive coordinator was more than willing to let his big and bruising back take command of the game and tip the contest in Seattle’s favor.

Lacking three offensive line starters up front, Lynch powered his way for just about every yard and more than earned the offensive game ball today. Rushing 24 times, Lynch accumulated 145 yards on the ground and was finally given the ball in the end zone, hammering the ball into the goal line in the fourth quarter to all but put the game away.

What was most impressive about Lynch — yet again — was his ability to create something out of nothing. Being met at the line on various third downs, Lynch muscled his way to the first down marker and allowed Seattle to keep chugging ahead while opening up room for Russell Wilsonand the wide receivers.

Feed the Beast.

Defense

Walter Thurmond

Walter Thurmond stepped up big on Sunday.

Sure Bobby Wagnermay have had a team-high nine tackles against the Falcons but I was most impressed with the play of Walter Thurmond III, especially after Brandon Brownerwent down with a groin injury that sidelined him for the rest of the game.

Stepping into a bigger role on defense, Thurmond was all over the field on Sunday and even managed to get into the backfield for two tackles for loss while racking up seven total against Atlanta.

While we’ll still wait awhile before hearing the extent of Browner’s injury, it has to be comforting to know that the Seahawks have such an excellent do-it-all corner in Thurmond to make up for his absence.

Special Teams

Steven Hauschka

They should really give Steven Hauschkathe official nickname of automatic if it hasn’t been given to him already, as he has been deadly accurate in 2013. Attempting four field goals on Sunday, Hauschka nailed all of them while crushing a 53-yarder that helped extend Seattle’s lead.

Kicking isn’t exactly the most exciting part of football, but Hauschka definitely makes it a bit more interesting.

Looking ahead the Seahawks get a so-so Minnesota team at home next week before a much-needed bye.